Thousands of people flocked to Front Street last night for Harbour Night - the official launch of the summer season.

It was almost like the weekly event of stalls, food, music, dance and fun had never stopped last October as both locals and tourists turned out in their droves for some light entertainment.

And considering only one cruise ship was docked in Hamilton Harbour last night, Celebrity Cruises Horizon, the first of this year's Harbour Nights was a roaring success.

A giant blow up yellow duck towered over the festivities representing charity hospice Agape House, which will have a regular stall this year to help raise funds and awareness.

Paintings, crafts, candles, food, and face-painting stalls were all in abundance, along with the usual bouncy castles and go-kart rides for the children.

Holidaymakers Nancy and Dean Ferb, from Illinois, US, arrived on the Island on Monday on board Horizon to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.

Last night, they said they were impressed by the Island, and the regular Wednesday night street party.

Mr. Ferb said: “The Harbour Night has been a really great thing. There is a real mix of people. It lets the local people celebrate their culture, and lets the tourists see it. We are having a wonderful time.”

And his wife said: “Bermuda is the most friendly place I have ever been in my entire life. I'm very impressed. The people are the most important thing, and they have been wonderful. I think this is the least commercial place we have been.”

Local stall-holder Declan Harris, who runs gel candle company L&M Ocean Lites with his partner Lucinda Worrell, said business was good.

With a crowd of customers around their stall, he said: “This is the first time we have had a stall here, but it's going very well. Business is brisk.

“I think it's surprising because although it's the first Harbour Night of the year, there is only one cruise ship in Hamilton. There seems to be a lot of tourists and locals around.”